In this lesson students will investigate sampling strategies for biological communities in the ocean to see how well biological samples represent the actual communities from which they are taken. As a result of this activity, they will be able to identify the three realms of the Arctic Ocean and describe the relationships between these realms. They will also learn the concepts of sampling at intervals along a line (transect) or within a square area of fixed size (quadrat). Students should also consider the possibility of collecting samples randomly throughout the community, and discuss the advantages and limitations of both sampling techniques to the study of biological communities. Educational levels: Middle school
